Most Popular Alternative Healing Therapies

Alternative Healing Therapies are healing methodologies that differ from the usual line of treatment than that of a doctor. In other words therapeutic practices that are currently not considered as an integral part of conventional medical practice are classified as alternate healing therapies or alternate medicine. Many a times the benefits and healing abilities of these therapies are established through research, other times they may be unproven scientifically. With alternate healing therapies, healing, treatment and cure may be achieved through diet, self healing mechanism of the human body, various energies, herbal and other supplements and much more. Few of these healing techniques are thousand of years older than conventional medicines. Over the last couple of decades there has been a renewed interest in holistic and natural healing and thus various alternative healing therapies have found acceptance and are getting popular both in India and world over. Some of the most popular alternative healing therapies are:

Acupuncture – One of the better known alternative healing therapies is acupuncture. The healing technique has its origin in ancient China and has been practiced for thousands of years. Acupuncture practioners believe that diseases and ailments are caused due to imbalances of universal energies. In our body there are invisible paths through which the energies Ying and Yang run. These two opposing forces are constantly merging, but can also become unbalanced. The energy network of the body has specific acupuncture points that are linked with various organs or body functions. In acupuncture needles are inserted into the subcutaneous connective tissue at these very specific points which in turn helps balance, slow down or stimulate certain energies and thus provide healing.

Acupressure – Acupressure just like acupuncture works on the principal of various specific points being energy centers of the human body. Stimulation of these points helps correct imbalances in the flow of life energy and thus provides healing. In acupressure correct amount of pressure is applied at these vital points in the human body using hands, elbows or specific devices to release blockages and provide healing.

Ayurveda – Ayurveda is an ancient healing practice that originated in India. The word Ayurveda is made from two words Ayur meaning life and Veda meaning knowledge. Ayurveda is a natural healing technique that establishes balanced in the body by bringing balance in the three fundamental life forces in our bodies known as Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Ayurveda teaches living in harmony with nature and using the human body self healing powers. Other than herbal remedies Ayurveda also uses techniques such as meditation, breathing and Yoga.

Aromatherapy – Aromatherapy is a holistic therapy that uses aroma of essential oils to improve health, vitality and emotional well-being. Although aromatherapy has mention in both ancient Indian and Chinese healing techniques but the discovery of modern day aromatherapy is attributed to French pharmacist, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse. In aromatherapy essential oils can be used as ointments, infusions or lotions externally. They can also be used internally; wherein they can be mixed with food and consumed.

Reiki – Reiki is a energy healing process which originated in Tibet and Japan. The word Reiki means Universal Life Energy. Reiki was rediscovered in Japan in the nineteenth century by Dr. Mikao Usui from Kyoto, Japan who named it Rei-Ki. Reiki is very simple; it works by the imposition of hands on different parts of the body, energy centers, thus giving vital energy to all organs. During Reiki sessions the practitioner does not use his own energy but serves as a channel and directs the universal energy towards the receiver by using his hands. Reiki provides healing by bringing harmony and physical, emotional, mental and spiritual balance in the body.

Homeopathy – Homeopathy originated in Germany in the 18th century. It is one of the more popular and accepted types of alternative medicine. Homeopathy is based on the philosophy that both the cure and the ailment come from the same situation. The substance, which causes a disease in high doses, gives a medicinal effect when used in very low doses. Thus similar symptoms to that of the ailment are created to cure the ailment. Homeopathy also uses herbs and natural medicines.

Naturopathy – Naturopathy as the name suggest is an alternate healing therapy in which only natural methods are used to assists the human body’s self healing ability. Healing therapies such as herbalism, color therapy, ozone therapy, reflexology, massage therapy and others may be classified under naturopathy.